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Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Learn about the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster.
Grow your talents
The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster® focuses on the essential elements of life—food, water, land and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist and florist. It also includes non-traditional agriculture occupations like wind energy, solar energy, oil and gas production.
Need a hard copy? See the 23-24 AFNR Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllAnimal Science
The Animal Science program of study focuses on the science, research and business of animals and other living organisms. It teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife, either in laboratories or in the field, which could include a veterinary office, a farm or ranch, or any outdoor area harboring animal life. Students may also research and analyze the growth and destruction of species and research or diagnose diseases and injuries of animals.
Course pathway
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8A100 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
|
| 2 |
8A110S 8A230S |
|
| 3 |
8A220 |
|
| 4 |
8A410 |
8A940 8A950 |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeders | $39,135 | 28 | 9% |
| Animal Scientists | $57,533 | 22 | 12% |
| Medical Scientists | $63,898 | 435 | 27% |
| Veterinarians | $93,496 | 294 | 24% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $67,309 | 45 | 32% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Certified Veterinary Assistant, Level 1
- Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification
- Equine Management & Evaluation Certification
- Small Animal Science and Technology
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas FFA
Work-based learning activities
- Compete in an Agri-Science Fair 4H
- Volunteer at a local farm or veterinary office
- Participate in an FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Applied Agricultural Engineering
The Applied Agricultural Engineering program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with applying knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing agricultural products. This program of study may also include exploration into diagnosing, repairing, or overhauling farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is only available at Garland HS (GHS) and Rowlett HS (RHS).
| Level | GHS/RHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8A100 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
| 2 |
8A200 |
| 3 |
8A360 8A210 |
| 4 |
8A307 8A320 |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | $32,406 | 366 | 16% |
| Welders | $41,350 | 6,171 | 9% |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $39,915 | 304 | 17% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics | $47,299 | 1,627 | 16% |
| Agricultural Engineers | $64,792 | 9 | 13% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding
- OSHA General 30*
*IBC sunsetting 8/31/24
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas FFA
- Tour a farm products or machinery plant
Work-based learning activities
- Earn a welding certification
- Intern at a farm products or machinery plant
- Participate in an FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Environmental and Natural Resources
The Environmental and Natural Resources program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the research, design, and planning of engineering or technical duties in the prevention and control of environmental hazards. This program of study may also include exploration into conducting research for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is only available at Sachse HS (SHS).
| Level | SHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8A100 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
| 2 |
8A120 |
| 3 |
8A250 |
| 4 |
8A320 |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Engineering Technicians | $53,352 | 101 | 32% |
| Environmental Engineers | $86,757 | 288 | 25% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians (including health) | $40,268 | 508 | 17% |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists (including health) | $77,896 | 644 | 24% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $67,309 | 45 | 32% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Natural Resources Systems
- Ducks Unlimited Ecology
- Hunter's Education
- Boater's Education
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Participate in the Texas FFA
- Attend summer leadership events
Work-based learning activities
- Intern at a waste treatment plant
- Participate in an FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Plant Science
The Plant Science program of study focuses on the science, research, and business of plants and other living organisms. It teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of plants and vegetation, either in laboratories or in the field.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is only available at Naaman Forest HS (NFHS).
| Level | NFHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8A100 |
| 2 |
8A130 8A140 8A270 |
| 3 |
8A170 8A160 |
| 4 |
8A240 8A320 8A418 |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $54,662 | 116 | 21% |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $32,240 | 589 | 14% |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators | $36,733 | 196 | 22% |
| Landscaping Supervisors | $44,408 | 807 | 19% |
| Biological Technicians | $42,931 | 452 | 17% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Texas State Florist's Association Knowledge-Based Floral Certification
- Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCA)
- Texas Certified Nursery Professional
- Texas State Florist's Association Level I Floral Certification
- Texas State Florist's Association Level II Floral Certification
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree/Professional Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Participate in the Texas FFA
- Partnerships with local greenhouses and Horticulture industry
Work-based learning activities
- Work at a florist or landscaper business
- Maintain a commercial landscape
- Participate in an FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
- Operation of production greenhouse
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Contact us
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